Our Instructors and Staff

Chief Instructor
Sensei Wendell Black - 2nd Dan

Associate Instructor
Steve Nickerson Shihan, 6th Dan

Staff

Wendell Black, Sensei, 2nd Dan

Wendell is the chief instructor of the Masamunekan dojo in Saint John, NB. Wendell Sensei spent numerous years studying Karate and most recently was awarded the title of Shihan with 7th Dan status by Hanshi Patrick McCarthy, 9th Dan. He was also the recipient of the 2015 IRKRS Lifetime Achievement Award. Under the guidance and instruction of Steve Nickerson Shihan, 6th Dan and Sensei Chuck Bates, 3rd Dan, Wendell Sensei was the first student in Saint John, NB to receive his Shodan in Yoshinkan Aikido and was awarded his instructor's certificate from Honbu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan.

Steve Nickerson, Shihan, 6th Dan

Nickerson Shihan is the affiliate instructor at the Saint John dojo and is the chief instructor at the Makotokan dojos in Halifax and Kingston, NS and holds an international instructor's certificate.

Saint John Aikido is affiliated through training with the Makotokan dojos in NS.

The Masamunekan Dojo in Saint John , NB is honored to have this affiliation with Nickerson Shihan. For more information on Nickerson Shihan, please read his bio on his website at www.makotokan.com.

(Update June 30, 2016) The Masamunekan dojo and it's students wish to extend our congratulations to Steve Shihan for being awarded 6th Dan for his years of dedication and training to this art and for his continuous support and encouragement to his students/ friends in Saint John. Thank you Steve Shihan.

Rob Moran, 2nd Dan

Senior student with the Masamunekan Dojo in Saint John, NB, Rob is a licensed Aikido Instructor with a certificate direct from world headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. . Rob started his martial arts journey studying Taoist Tai Chi and in 2006 began practicing Yoshinkan style Aikido. Rob Sensei was recently awarded his 2nd Dan ranking by Steve Nickerson Shihan, 6th Dan and Patrick Winter Sensei, 6th Dan at a Kenshu and grading held in Greenwood, NS on November 5th, 2016.

Rick Baker , 1st Kyu

Senior student, instructor and club administrator with the Masamunekan dojo in Saint John, NB. Rick started his martial arts journey studying Aikikai style Aikido in 1996 and in 2006 started training in the Yoshinkan style Aikido.

Aikido is a Martial Art of self-defense that is based on non-resistance rather than strength. An attack is never stopped; it is met and guided in a way that causes the attacker to be thrown by the directional force of his own attack. Aikido also employs a number of joint locking techniques. Although these techniques are extremely effective and can drive an aggressor to the ground immediately, they are not designed to break bones or cause injury.

Wendell Black, Sensei, 2nd Dan - Wendell is the Chief Instructor of the Saint John Aikido Dojo in Saint John, New Brunswick.

Steve Nickerson, Shihan, 6th Dan - Nickerson Shihan is the affiliate instructor at the Saint John dojo and is the chief instructor at the Makotokan dojos in Halifax and Kingston, NS and holds an international instructor's certificate.